Effective Oct. 1, 2011, a course-completion certificate for an approved boating safety education course can be used by a boat operator as proof of complying with the boating safety identification cards requirements in F.S. 327.395, provided that person has the correct certificate and photographic ID in their possession while operating a vessel.

The course-completion certificate:

Is valid for up to 90 days from the date the course is completed.

Must have the person's first and last name, their date of birth, and the date they successfully completed the approved course.

Is not a permanent replacement for the Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card.